Once a Detroit teacher, world renowned environmental activist sounds alarm for communities of color
The students lucky enough to attend Renaissance High School in the years just before and after the new millennium were witnessing a genius in the making without knowing it. To be sure, it is Renaissance after all, and that sentiment could apply to just about any student at any time in history at Detroit’s leading magnet high school. In this instance, the would-be history maker was one of the school’s history teachers. Back in 1999, Renaissance teacher Catherine Coleman Flowers – Miss or Mrs. Flowers to those of a certain age – brought forth an idea to the school’s administration: Take a bus of select students...
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Purpose, Power and Service: Dr. Karriem Watson on Leadership, Legacy and Moving the Culture
As a respected leader in healthcare and a 2026 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honoree, Dr. Karriem Watson, CEO of Mile Square Health Center, has dedicated his career to improving access and health outcomes in underserved communities. A mentor, philanthropist, man of faith, and servant leader, Watson’s work is rooted in purpose and impact. In this conversation with the Chicago Defender, he reflects on leadership, legacy, and the responsibility of creating pathways for future generations. Q: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a 2026 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence honoree and to be celebrated alongside your peers? A: It truly means the world...
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The Ke’nekt Founder Kiyomi Rollins Shares Insights on Atlanta’s Entrepreneurial Scene
New Partnership With Pittsburgh Yards Built on Aligned Missions Atlanta is widely regarded as fertile ground for business start-ups, supported by a robust ecosystem that actively champions minority- and women-owned enterprises. The region has become a destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and established small businesses seeking access to resources and innovative programs designed to combat financial inequities, build capacity, invest capital, and revitalize underserved communities. In an exclusive interview with Atlanta Daily World, Kiyomi Rollins, founder and CEO of The Ke’nekt Cooperative, shared insights into Atlanta’s entrepreneurial landscape—particularly the growing role of Black women turning to entrepreneurship in response to post-pandemic workforce disruptions and an increasingly hostile national...
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OHM Advisors names Kelly Jackson VP of Human Resources
Architecture, engineering and planning firm OHM Advisors has promoted longtime Human Resources Director Kelly Jackson as the company’s first vice president of human resources. “People are the foundation of any successful business, and over the last three decades, Kelly has been crucial in building and expanding that foundation,” said OHM President Jon Kramer. “Since the firm’s inception, we have grown from fewer than 100 people working in one building to nearly 1,000 employees across eight states. Over the past 30+ years, Kelly has been instrumental in shaping and supporting the continuity of our company’s culture.” As vice president of human resources, Jackson will focus on talent strategy, ensuring that the OHM’s...
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H.J. Russell Company and family: Key players in Atlanta’s grand plan
What do the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Georgia Dome, Turner Field, Phillips Arena, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. and the downtown Atlanta skyline have in common? They all, in one way or another, bare the DNA of Atlanta entrepreneur extraordinaire Herman J. Russell. Many of the structures referenced - along with scores of other highly crafted developments around the country - originated in a less elaborate but equally important building at 504 Fair Street, the original headquarters of H.J. Russell & Company. Photo credit: Eliot Xavier On On April...
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Illinois House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch named executive vice-chair of Cook County Democratic Party
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has been named Executive Vice-Chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, further strengthening his leadership role within one of the nation’s most influential Democratic organizations. Speaker Welch, who also serves as Committeeman for Proviso Township, has been a leading voice in advancing policies that promote equity, economic opportunity, and strong communities across Illinois. His appointment as Executive Vice-Chair (suburbs) reflects his longstanding commitment to Democratic values and his ability to unite leaders across Cook County. “I am honored to serve as Executive Vice-Chair of the Cook County Democratic Party,” said Speaker Welch. “Together, we will continue building a stronger, more...
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Retiring ESPN Exec. David Roberts Reflects on 50-Year Career, Detroit Roots, and the Importance of Opening Doors
After having spent the past 22 years of his career at ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, the Southwestern High School and Wayne State University alum is retiring at the end of August 2026. The rhythm of Detroit has always sounded a little like a game clock. It never quite stops and it always demands something from whomever is bold enough to step onto its floor. For David Roberts, a kid growing up on the city’s southwest side, that rhythm stretched across five decades – a 50-year career that moved with the urgency of a fast break, but also with the patience of a long season....
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Julie Zeigler becomes first Black Commissioner of Crescent Township, PA
Dr. Julie Zeigler is the first Black Commissioner in Crescent Township history By day, Dr. Julie Zeigler is the Chief Financial Officer for Tadiso Inc., one of the state’s largest medication-assisted treatment facilities. But she’s also one of five Commissioners for Crescent Township. Crescent Township, it’s located near Moon Township and Sewickley in Allegheny County. She loves living there. And she enjoys her role as Commissioner, a role she’s had since January 2026. But what few people know is that Dr. Zeigler is the first Black Commissioner to ever serve in Crescent Township. Dr. Zeigler had formerly served as Judge of Elections for the township, but...
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First Independence Bank taps Caroline Chambers to lead new community investment foundation
A bank with a long history of serving communities too often locked out of mainstream financial opportunity is preparing to widen that work through a new foundation, and it is placing that effort in the hands of a leader whose career has centered philanthropy, inclusion, and community partnership. First Independence Bank announced the appointment of Caroline Chambers as Director of Community Investments, a new leadership role that puts her at the center of building the bank’s charitable foundation. That foundation, expected to officially launch later this year, is being designed to support community growth and long-term stability while staying aligned with First Independence Bank’s longstanding mission...
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